Revolution Renaissance: Age Of Aquarius

Melodic Power/Heavy Metal

Rating: 4.5/5.0

The first and only question to ask about Revolution Renaissance's sophomore effort 'Age Of Aquarius' is this: Is it better than their debut? Unequivocally, the answer is Yes, light years. 'New Era' was a nearly horrid borefest with, maybe, two good songs. Something you would not expect from mind and talent of ex-Stratovarius guitarist Timo Tolkki. Thankfully, on 'Age Of Aquarius' he has redeemed himself creating what should have been made on Revolution Renaissance premier.

Frankly, there is not a dull or displeasing moment on 'Age Of Aquarius.' The work begins and ends on superb melodic heavy metal. At the beginning, 'Age Of Aquarius,' 'Sins Of My Beloved,' and 'Ixion's Wheel' emphasize more heavy strokes than may be expected from Rev Ren. However, this exactly the presence I hope to find. At the end, Rev Ren brings both the epic and symphonic to bear on the composition with stirring 'Kyrie Eleison.' 'Into The Future' finds the band going straight for vibrant and catchy melodic metal with a composition marked by Celtic/folk keyboards and a beautiful vocal arrangement. Significantly, it that latter characteristic, the vocal arrangements with Gus Monsanto leading, and Tolkki's guitar work which make 'Age Of Aquarius' a marvelous listen.

Yet, even with this adulation, there still is a bit of monotony to found on this platter in the middle section. From 'Behind The Mask' through 'So She Wears Black,' the musical formula is quite predictable. All four songs are basic symphonic heavy metal with an identifiable arrangement that see-saws between subtle, softer moments and more grandiose movements. In lesser hands and not the formidable talent of Timo Tolkki, this would be a huge disaster. Yet, even with the redundancy, Revolution Renaissance pulls it off with amazing clarity and dexterity as proved in the best track 'So She Wears Black.'

'Age Of Aquarius' is what 'New Era' should have been for Revolution Renaissance. This work is mighty and magnificent, everything that we would expect from a Timo Tolkki lead enterprise: brilliant symphonic and melodic heavy metal. Revolution Renaissance is finely on track. Highly recommended!

In Short

'Age Of Aquarius' is what 'New Era' should have been for Revolution Renaissance. This work is mighty and magnificent, everything that we would expect from a Timo Tolkki lead enterprise: brilliant symphonic and melodic heavy metal. Revolution Renaissance is finely on track.

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